Cochin, Jacques Denis
Cochin, Jacques-Denis
A preacher and philanthropist, born in Paris, 1 January, 1726; died there 3 June, 1783. His father, Claude-Denis Cochin (d. 1786), was a famous botanist. Jacques-Denis followed a course of theological studies in the Sorbonne and was graduated with the degree of Doctor. In 1755 he was ordained priest. The next year he was given charge of the parish of Saint-Jacques-du-Haut-Pas. There he spent his whole life working for the material as well as the spiritual betterment of his people. He won great fame for the unction and strength of his preaching. His published works include: Four books of Sunday sermons (Paris, 1786-1808); “Exhortations on the Feasts, Fasts and Ceremonies of the Church” (Paris, 1778); “Retreat Exercises” (Paris, 1778); “Spiritual Writings”, a posthumous work published by his brother (Paris, 1784). Cochin is noted especially for his philanthropy. The needs of his own parish suggested the foundation of a hospital. The idea, conceived in 1780, resulted in the completion of a building of which The Sisters of Charity took charge. The inscription on the building, Pauper clamavit et Dominus exaudivit eum, is an index of Cochin’s intentions. He devoted his whole fortune to the work. The hospital was inaugurated with thirty-eight beds; today the number is nearly four hundred. It was originally called Hopital Saint-Jacques. In 1801 the General Council of the Paris hospitals gave it the name of its charitable founder, which it still preserves.
———————————–
J.B. DELAUNAY Transcribed by Joseph P. Thomas
The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume IVCopyright © 1908 by Robert Appleton CompanyOnline Edition Copyright © 2003 by K. KnightNihil Obstat. Remy Lafort, CensorImprimatur. +John M. Farley, Archbishop of New York
Fuente: Catholic Encyclopedia
Cochin, Jacques Denis
a French theologian and philanthropist, was born in Paris, January 1, 1726. He was made pastor of St. Jacques-du-Haut-Pas in 1756, and became famous by his zeal and charity. In 1780 he conceived the idea of founding a hospital for the poor in the faubourg St. Jacques, himself subscribing 37,000 Francs for that purpose, and, with the liberality of others, the building was finished in July 1782. Abbe Cochin died June 3, 1783, at Paris, leaving several devotional works, for which see Hoefer, Nouv. Biog. Generale, s.v.